The 2,249th meeting of the Darien Police Commission was held on the above mentioned date at Police Headquarters. Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Harrel, Commissioner Santarella, Chief Lovello, and Jan Lesko (Commission Secretary) were in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes from the Police Commission meeting of August 14, 2012 were reviewed. Commissioner Santarella requested that the language, “during the budget process” be added to the last sentence in Section 6, New Business – Building Custodian. Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on August 14, 2012 with the amended language, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:06 PM.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

The Commission reviewed a letter received from Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey commending the services of K-9 Officer Nicholas Aranzullo and K-9 Zulu in relation to their assistance in an incident which took place on August 15th involving a stolen vehicle.

4. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY

Progress is being made in the BMW vehicle burglaries incident and to date four of the vehicles have been recovered. An incident occurred today at HSBC Bank involving attempted forged withdrawals. Those apprehended are part of a larger ring. An informational report from the School Resource Officer was reviewed.

Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve Recommendations for Commendation for Detective Cappelli, Officer Ehret, and Officer Mulcahy for their actions involving the rescue of two occupants of a sinking boat in Stamford waters, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:22 PM.

Update on Police Department Building Project

One of the motors on the air handler unit is being changed out with a larger unit which should correct condensation problems associated with the air conditioning system. It was found that the lack of improper air supply in the range was caused by the wrong diffuser, which is being addressed. Work on the window sill replacement will be starting this week.

There has been a proliferation of weeds in the newly landscaped grounds of the Police Department. In as much as the landscaping was designed to be low maintenance, photos have been sent to the architect, Brian Humes, for examination and remediation.

The training classroom was used publicly for the first time today for a VisionAir workshop.

Members of the Board of Finance received a building tour last week.

6. NEW BUSINESS

Officer Lucas Adams – Off Probation

Chief Lovello advised that on June 29, 2012 Officer Lucas Adams successfully completed his one-year probationary period. Commissioner Santarella motioned that Probationary Officer Lucas Adams be appointed Patrol Officer effective June 29, 2012, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All were in favor. The time was 5:32 PM.

Request for 4-Way Stop at Leroy Avenue/Sedgwick Avenue

Traffic Engineer Michael Galante analyzed the intersection of Leroy Avenue at Sedgwick Avenue per the request of Lt. Anderson for the installation of a 4-way stop at this location. Mr. Galante advised Lt. Anderson that with advanced warning signage the 4-way stop would be fine. Commissioner Santarella motioned to approve the installation of a 4-way stop at the intersection of Leroy Avenue and Sedgwick Avenue, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 5:40 PM.

Protocol for Road Races

There have been an increasing number of road race requests which in turn increases the demand for police services. Chief Lovello will draft a letter to the Board of Selectmen regarding the necessity for police approval prior to approval by the Board of Selectmen. Included with the letter will be a calendar of events showing the activity over the past 12 months.

Overtime

The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance are very concerned about the amount of overtime experienced by the Police Department. Chief Lovello will be attending a Board of Finance meeting to address this issue.

Traffic Issue – Darien Social

Patrons of the Darien Social are sometimes inclined to drive the wrong way on a one-way street behind the restaurant. Lt. Anderson will survey the area and determine what might be done to remedy the problem.

7. ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business to be considered, Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Harrel. All were in favor. The time was 6:15 PM.